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With one new face and two familiar homegrown talents through the door at Exploria Stadium so far this off-season, Orlando City SC are being linked with new arrivals on a daily basis.
Over the past week, Oscar Pareja‘s Lions have been strongly linked with ready-made reinforcements, both Brazilian centre back Antônio Carlos and fellow countryman Júnior Urso, a defensive midfielder.
But who exactly are these players reportedly in Oscar Pareja, Luiz Muzzi and the Orlando City SC Front Office’s sights?
Antônio Carlos
On Wednesday, MLSSoccer.com reported that Orlando City SC are nearing a deal to complete the one-year loan signing of Palmeiras defender Antônio Carlos.
A rumour first reported by Brazilian source Globo Esporte, the 26-year-old is the man in the Lions’ sights to replace Lamine Sané whose option was declined following the end of the 2019 MLS campaign.
A domineering and physical presence, Antônio Carlos stands at 6 ft 3 in but is quick despite his frame.
Representing eight clubs in Brazil since Corinthians handed him a senior debut in 2012, Antônio Carlos has made over 30 appearances for rivals Palmeiras since initially joining the Verdão on loan in 2017.
Impressively, Antônio Carlos helped Palmeiras to winning the Brazilian championship in 2018. Making 26 starts that year, he capped a fine individual campaign with a slot in the São Paulo State Championship’s best XI.
Falling out of favour since this standout campaign, Palmeiras’ loss could soon be Orlando City SC‘s gain.
With Lamine Sané being one of Orlando City SC‘s highest earners in 2019 ($950,000), a loan move for a ready-made replacement seems like good business considering funds can now be used to reinforce other areas of need.
With Orlando City SC down to only three centre backs right now in Alex De John, Robin Jansson and Kamal Miller, a move for Antônio Carlos is very timely.
Júnior Urso
As for Júnior Urso (pictured), the experienced 30-year-old defensive midfielder is currently on the books of Corinthians in his native Brazil.
With Orlando City SC‘s interest also reported by Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte yesterday, the source claim a deal for Urso is edging ever closer.
According to the report, Orlando City SC will pay a transfer fee to Corinthians for the 5 ft 11 in midfielder with a four-year deal anticipated.
An energetic presence in midfield, Júnior Urso is best described as a box-to-box talent.
Not only boasting experience of playing in the Brazilian top flight (Brasileirão), Júnior Urso has also spent a significant part of his career in the Chinese Super League.
Representing Shandong Luneng between 2014 and 2016, and Guangzhou R&F between 2017 and 2019, Júnior Urso should be unfazed by the prospect of playing away from Brazil in Major League Soccer.
Scoring 12 goals in 58 appearances across two-and-a-half seasons at Shandong Luneng, Júnior Urso isn’t merely somebody to thwart opposition counter attacks.
With Jhegson Méndez, Andrés Perea and Uri Rosell representing Oscar Pareja‘s first choice options in central midfield right now, a move for Júnior Urso would create healthy competition for starting opportunities.